Summer break is one of the most active times for sports, and many athletes are returning to the field. Baseball, softball, handball, rugby and soccer are just some of the most popular sports that stretch over the summer months. But if an athlete starts a season too soon, they can increase their risk of injury on the field. Going to sports physical therapy before the start of the season can give athletes the strength and confidence boost they need to succeed.
3 reasons athletes of all ages should go to sports PT before their season starts
Whether playing recreational, travel or professional sports, athletes should see a specialist before they get back on the field. Sports physical therapy specialists focus on athletes and their common sports injuries. There are many benefits to proactively seeing a sports physical therapist, including:
- Injury prevention — Sports physical therapists know the common injury risks in your sport, including common ones like tearing your MCL or spraining your ankle. PT specialists also know how to help prevent those injuries. Through targeted exercises, they can help athletes strengthen weak points. This can help better prepare the body for sudden strains, blows or falls on the field. If an athlete was injured in the past, a sports PT can share effective biomechanics that can help protect joints and muscles. This way, athletes can be confident in their body positioning and alignment, whether they’re pitching or kicking a ball.
- Performance improvements — Many people think that physical therapists only treat patients with existing injuries. But physical therapists can use a range of techniques to help athletes increase their sport performance — regardless if they’ve sustained an injury yet. PT sessions can help athletes increase their mobility, flexibility, speed, balance and coordination on the field.
- Education about nutrition and healthy habits — Diet is deeply linked to an athlete’s performance. While sports physical therapists are not dieticians, they can offer general dietary advice based on the athlete’s intensity of exercise. An appropriate diet can help athletes:
- Maintain their strength.
- Maintain or boost positive gains made in PT.
- Boost injury prevention.
For example, eating protein and calcium-rich foods can help fast-track an athlete’s healing process after an injury. Sports PTs can help educate athletes on dieting habits that supplement in-clinic manual therapy and other treatments.
Panther PT can help athletes prepare for the summer season
Physical therapy doesn’t have to be reactionary. Instead, it can be a proactive step for athletes to protect their bodies from injury and improve their performance. Panther PT offers sports physical therapy options tailored to you, including joint mobilization and trigger point therapy. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.